I. Introduction
My name is Sam Bent, though in certain circles, I am better known by my handles "killab" and "2happytimes2." These names were not just aliases, but identities forged in the depths of the darknet and the hacking world. Today, I am a content creator, author, hacker, and paralegal, sharing my experiences and insights to help others navigate the complex and often perilous terrain of cybersecurity and the criminal justice system. I'm no longer a criminal, hell I even have a Linkedin!
My journey has taken me from being a fugitive on the run to becoming a prominent figure in the darknet community, and finally, to an advocate for those facing similar challenges. My goal is to empower people with the ability to have privacy or better yet anonymity.
I love making YouTube videos, and making content in general. My goal is to do this well enough to make it a full time job. That's the dream anyway. I've made a lot of stupid choices in life, I've also learned from them. Here is a a little bit about me...
II. Early Life and Legal Troubles
My entanglement with the criminal justice system began when I was just 17 years old. In Massachusetts, I was charged with Assault and Battery with intent to murder, conspiracy to commit murder, evading police, and several misdemeanors. This was not an isolated incident but the result of a fateful night involving two other men who managed to escape. What happened?
To sum it up, I was hanging around with some total psycopaths that I had been selling cannabis to and doing business with. While walking with them, they had told me to go ask someone for directions. I did so - while asking him for directions to the street they told me to ask about, I saw a small bat fly past my head, and this mans head split in front of me. Both of them, started stopping on him. He was shoveling his driveway. After which they went through his pockets, finding no cash. With that they said "next" and laughed, and started walking.
The car we had gotten a ride from was down the street, and we started walking to it. A cop pulled up - then went left, I went right, jumping on the cops hood to avoid him grabbing me. This lead to a hour and a half foot chase were I would loose them, then get found again multiple times. This was mainly because there was about a foot of snow on the ground, and we were in Fall River, which has crazy hills.
Eventually the police caught me, and charged me.
Navigating the legal labyrinth, my lawyer employed a strategic delay tactic. The goal was to prolong the trial process, allowing the victim ample time to recover from his injuries. This strategy proved effective; months later, the victim showed no visible signs of injury. This tactic to me seem more criminal than the actual crime, if nothing else it was far more premeditated than what the other two whackos had done. The prosecution’s case weakened, and the charges were reduced significantly. Originally facing up to ten years in a high-security prison, I ultimately received a sentence of six months in a county jail, with an additional two and a half years suspended. This took about 2 years of litigation and many district attorneys later.
During this tumultuous period, my career path was far from conventional. I worked various jobs, including construction work, cooking in restaurants, and supervising cashiers. Basically any place that would hire me, I would work at, and work hard at. However, my true passion lay in information technology (IT) and cybersecurity. I kind of fell into information security (Infosec) and operational security (OPSEC), acquiring skills that would later prove invaluable.
Despite my efforts to maintain a semblance of normalcy, the shadow of my legal troubles loomed large. Living as a fugitive was far from ideal. I spent 15 years evading the police in Massachusetts, moving from place to place and constantly looking over my shoulder. My knowledge of sister state laws, which allowed me to stay in states bordering Massachusetts without facing extradition, provided a temporary reprieve. However, it was a precarious existence, filled with uncertainty and the ever-present threat of capture.
This period of my life also saw significant personal challenges. I was in a long-term 10 year relationship with Tracy Baker, with whom I had three children, two step daughters and a son. Despite the outward appearance of stability, our relationship was marred by Tracy’s infidelity and growing bitterness. Her revelation that she had been unfaithful for seven of our ten years together only served to cement my decision to leave. However it was a good thing because it put me in a position where I walked away from her for good. But before I did, I needed to buy a house. Instead of researching real estate and FHA loans, I assumed I needed the entirety of the cost, I figured about 100,000 - 150,000, which at that time was a legit price for my area.
I'm very mission focused, so I stared researching ways to make money, fast.
Faced with limited job opportunities in rural Vermont and a deteriorating relationship at home, growing from daily arguments with Tracy picking fights about the smallest things (e.x. why did I make chicken alfredo instead of pasta with red sauce? <- this was actually a major issue with her) I made a pivotal decision. Drawing on my extensive knowledge in IT, Infosec, and OPSEC, I ventured into the darknet as a vendor. This decision was not made lightly; it was born out of necessity and a desire to provide for my children. My goal was to make enough money to buy a house and secure a better future for my family.
Thus began my journey into the murky world of the darknet, where I would employ all my skills and knowledge to succeed while avoiding the pitfalls that had ensnared so many others before me. The path was fraught with danger and complexity, but it was a path I was prepared to navigate with determination and caution.
III. Eclectic Career Path
Throughout my life, necessity and curiosity drove me to explore a wide array of careers, each adding a unique layer to my skill set. I have worked in construction, honing my physical and problem-solving skills as I built structures from the ground up. In the kitchens of various restaurants, I learned the art of cooking, balancing flavors and managing high-pressure environments.
My most significant contributions, however, were in of information technology (IT), information security (Infosec), and operational security (OPSEC). Over the years, I immersed myself in these fields, gaining expertise that would later prove invaluable in my ventures on the darknet. From setting up secure networks to understanding the intricacies of encryption and digital privacy, my technical proficiency grew immensely.
In addition to these roles, I also took on positions supervising cashiers and managing loss prevention. These jobs required a keen eye for detail and an understanding of human behavior, skills that would later aid me in maintaining operational security in more clandestine activities. Despite my diverse career experiences, there was always a duality to my life – one foot in the legitimate world, the other navigating the shadows of the darknet.
IV. Personal Life and Betrayal
During the years of working legitimate jobs, I shared my life with Tracy Baker, my long-term girlfriend. Together, we raised three children, and I took on the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, and homeschooling them. While I strove to provide a stable and nurturing environment for our children, the relationship with Tracy was far from ideal. We were more roomates than a couple.
Tracy's initial bubbly personality gradually transformed into bitterness and misery and anger. Weekdays saw her smoking cannabis, watching TV, or spending hours on Facebook, distancing herself from the family. She knew nothing about either of her daughers, or our son. Her lack of involvement and proactive parenting left me shouldering most of the household responsibilities. I had no issue with this, as I knew the children at least were safe while I was watching them.
Her confession of infidelity accelerated my plans to leave. I felt gross just looking at her. Living in a rural part of Vermont with limited job opportunities, I knew that finding a local job paying $10-$11 an hour would not suffice. Moreover, I was unwilling to leave the children alone with Tracy, who had become increasingly detached from them over the years and turned to alcohol and random hookups with whoever looked at her. I needed a solution that would allow me to support my children and ensure their well-being.
Drawing on my extensive background in IT, Infosec, and OPSEC, I made the calculated decision to become a darknet vendor. This decision was not made lightly or on a whim; it was the culmination of thorough research and strategic planning. I spent months preparing, developing contingency plans, and setting up security measures to mitigate potential threats from law enforcement. Of course had someone simply told me about FHA loans, I would have never went this route for income generation.
My aim was clear: to make enough money – at least $150,000 – to buy a house for $100,000 and have sufficient funds to secure a stable future for my family. This venture into the darknet was not just about financial gain but about providing a better life for my children and escaping the toxic environment that our home had become. With my operational security policies firmly in place, I was ready to embark on this new, albeit risky, path. I had studied logistics of shipping alone for about 6 months prior to stating the business.
V. Transition to the Darknet
The decision to become a darknet vendor was born out of necessity and the desire to provide a better future for my children. Also blind desperation. With my extensive background in IT, Infosec, and OPSEC, I was uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of the darknet. It involved thorough research, meticulous planning, and a deep understanding of the risks involved.
I spent six months preparing for my venture into the darknet. During this time, I reviewed countless news articles about former darknet vendors who had been caught. I studied their mistakes and the security flaws that led to their arrests, determined not to repeat them. I knew that my freedom depended on my ability to outsmart law enforcement and maintain airtight operational security.
Setting up my operation involved creating robust security policies and contingency plans. I employed advanced encryption techniques, secure communication methods, and stringent protocols for handling transactions and shipments. My goal was to create a system that would be nearly impossible for law enforcement to penetrate without breaking their own laws.
The OpSec goal was to make it so that the only way that law enforcement could catch me was to break the law themselves. If they did, then I could get everything they had found thrown out.
My initial focus was on selling high-quality cannabis, mushrooms, hash, moonshine, powder cocaine, MDMA, and LSD, avoiding drugs like meth and heroin, which I believed took people's souls. I aimed to build a reputation for trustworthiness and reliability, providing top-notch products while maintaining strict ethical boundaries.
VI. Darknet Operations
Once my operation was up and running, I quickly established a presence on several darknet markets. Using the vendor name "2happytimes2," I began selling a variety of illegal drugs, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction. My reputation grew as I delivered consistent, high-quality products and provided excellent customer service.
To manage the logistics of my operation, I hired my cousin, who was looking for a way out of her dead-end job. Her role was to handle the mailing of packages, following specific instructions to avoid detection. I paid her a commission based on the value of the contents, she was given a flat rate as well for each package, covered her housing and car expenses, and supported her drug and alcohol habits with an unlimited supply of whatever she wanted.
Initially, our system worked like a well-oiled machine. Orders came in at a steady pace, and my reputation on the darknet forums was solid. I actively participated in these forums, helping others with OPSEC and calling out scammers. In the first month I made over 5,000 posts on just one darknet forum. My contributions built trust and further enhanced my standing in the community.
However, over time, my cousin grew complacent. Despite my specific instructions to mail only a few packages at each post office, she began mailing dozens to the same location, drawing unnecessary attention. Her drug addiction led to a decline in her work ethic and a disregard for the security protocols I had put in place.
This negligence eventually led to our downfall. One day, I received a knock on the door that would echo in my ears for years to come. The Department of Homeland Security, accompanied by a heavily armed tactical team, had arrived with a federal search warrant. Despite the immediate chaos, I adhered to our contingency plan and took full responsibility for the operation.
The raid marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one that would involve intense legal battles, incarceration, and ultimately, a journey toward redemption and advocacy. My experiences on the darknet had provided valuable lessons in trust, security, and the high stakes of illegal activities, shaping the path I would take moving forward.
VII. The Raid
The pivotal moment in my darknet operations came with an unexpected knock on my door. What I initially thought was a routine visit from Jehovah's Witnesses turned out to be a raid by the Department of Homeland Security. Dozens of agents, equipped with MP5s, tear gas, and other tactical gear, stormed my residence. The lead agent, Jamie West, presented a federal search warrant, but they had no arrest warrant at the time. Their primary suspect was my cousin, Djeneba, who had been responsible for mailing the packages.
As the agents poured into my house, I informed them that I was the only adult male present, alongside my three children and two adult females – my cousin and my ex-girlfriend. This was my first direct encounter with federal agents, and the experience was both surreal and intimidating. The raid unfolded rapidly, like a bad dream from which I couldn't awaken.
Adhering to the contingency plan I had established with my cousin, I took full responsibility for the operation. When the agents discovered a safe, I willingly provided the combination, knowing it contained drugs. I confessed, "all the drugs are mine. I am a DarkNet Vendor." This admission was part of the agreement I had made with my cousin to shield her from prosecution if we were ever caught.
Months after the raid, I received my indictment in the mail. My lawyer, Stephanie Greenlees, managed to secure a Franks Hearing – a rare opportunity to challenge the legality of the search warrant used in my case. A Franks Hearing requires proving to the judge that law enforcement broke the law during the arrest process. This was significant because the initial search of the package that led to the federal search warrant was conducted without a proper warrant.
I was hopeful that this hearing would lead to the dismissal of my case. However, my cousin, Djeneba Bent, had begun cooperating with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. Her cooperation severely undermined my defense.
VIII. Legal Strategies and Court Battles
Facing the legal complexities of my case, I was determined to fight without cooperating with the government. My lawyer informed me of a proffer session – essentially a meeting where I would divulge everything about my crime to the prosecutor and federal agents in exchange for potential leniency. I refused, seeing it as akin to snitching, and chose to accept full responsibility for my actions.
Despite my determination, the odds were stacked against me. The court was ready to dismiss my ten-count indictment if not for my cousin's cooperation. Faced with the stark reality of potentially receiving a 10-20 year mandatory minimum sentence if convicted at trial, I had little choice but to accept a plea deal offered by the United States Attorney.
The plea deal stipulated a maximum sentence of 108 months (nine years). During sentencing, Chief Judge Crawford took into account various factors, ultimately reducing my sentence to 60 months (five years) with three years of probation to follow. My cousin, due to her cooperation, received only three years of probation.
Upon my self-surrender to Federal Prison at Devens, I was initially placed in the SHU (Special Housing Unit), a segregated part of the prison typically used for punitive purposes. After a few days, I was assigned to Unit JA, a medical center for inmates needing medical attention. Eight months later, I was transferred back to the SHU for quarantine due to COVID-19 and then moved to the minimum security camp.
During my time in federal prison, I made it a point to study law and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policies meticulously. I wrote and filed motions for myself and other inmates, using my knowledge to help reduce sentences for those who had not cooperated with authorities and were not sex offenders.
My wife, Katelyn Bent, played a crucial role during this period. She stood by me through every stage, driving long hours every weekend to visit me. Her support, both emotional and practical, was unwavering. She encouraged me to continue fighting for my release and assisted with my legal research when I faced obstacles within the prison system.
In a significant legal victory, I wrote a 200-page motion for Compassionate Release, which was ultimately granted. This motion, supported by my wife’s encouragement and extensive research, marked my release from federal prison. My journey through the legal system had been arduous, but it reinforced my resolve to advocate for others facing similar challenges.
Now, I dedicate my efforts to helping others prepare for and navigate the federal prison system, ensuring they have the knowledge and support needed to emerge stronger and more informed. My experiences have shaped my mission to empower those caught in the razor wire bureaucracy of the criminal justice system.
IX. Federal Prison Experience
When I self-surrendered to Federal Prison at Devens, I was immediately confronted with the harsh realities of the prison system. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) initially placed me in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), a segregated section typically used for punitive isolation. After a few days, I was moved to Unit JA, a medical center for inmates requiring medical attention. This facility was known for its strict regime, but it also provided me with a unique opportunity to study and understand the inner workings of the prison system.
Eight months into my sentence, I was placed back into the SHU for a "quarantine" due to COVID-19. The SHU quarantine was supposed to last 14 days but stretched to almost 40 days due to bureaucratic oversight. During this period, I was locked in 24/7, with no recreational time and limited phone access. This isolation highlighted the inefficiencies and often inhumane conditions of the prison system, but it also steeled my resolve to fight for my rights and those of other inmates.
After persistent efforts, including writing numerous "cop-outs" or formal communications with staff, I was transferred to the minimum security camp. The transition to the camp marked a new chapter in my prison experience. Here, I had more freedom to move around and engage with other inmates, which allowed me to focus on my legal studies and help others with their cases.
Throughout my incarceration, I diligently studied the law and BOP policies. I enrolled in a correspondence paralegal course, maintaining a 93% GPA. My commitment to self-education and legal advocacy became a cornerstone of my time in prison. I worked closely with a few disbarred lawyers who were also inmates, learning to write and file motions for various inmates who had not cooperated with the authorities and were not sex offenders.
My wife, Katelyn Bent, was my unwavering pillar of support. She visited me every weekend, driving long hours to be with me. Her dedication and encouragement were instrumental in my journey. She helped me with legal research, provided emotional support, and constantly motivated me to fight for my release. Her response to my moments of doubt was always the same: "You cannot just give up. You need to fight back! Go out swinging!"
With Katelyn’s support, I wrote a 200-page motion for Compassionate Release, arguing for my early release based on my legal research and the conditions of my confinement. Against significant odds, I won my release. This victory was not just personal; it was a testament to the power of self-education, perseverance, and the support of loved ones.
X. Personal Growth and Advocacy
My experiences in federal prison and the legal battles I fought have profoundly shaped my mission and outlook on life. Upon my release, I dedicated myself to helping others navigate the federal prison system. My goal is to empower individuals facing incarceration by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to survive and thrive despite the challenges.
I focus on educating others about the realities of federal prison, offering practical advice on how to prepare mentally, physically, and legally. My content aims to demystify the prison experience and provide actionable insights that can make a significant difference in an inmate's life. I emphasize the importance of understanding BOP policies, knowing one's rights, and leveraging legal avenues to secure better outcomes.
Katelyn continues to be my partner in this mission. Together, we work to support families of the incarcerated, offering guidance and resources to help them stay connected and provide much-needed support to their loved ones. We advocate for humane treatment and fair policies within the prison system, drawing on our personal experiences to highlight areas in need of reform.
I also stress the critical role of family support during incarceration. My journey was made bearable and ultimately successful because of Katelyn’s unwavering support. I encourage families to stay involved, visit regularly, and provide emotional and logistical support to their incarcerated loved ones.
My advocacy extends to warning against the pitfalls of hiring unqualified prison consultants. I emphasize the importance of choosing advisors who have firsthand experience with the BOP and who understand the complexities of the federal prison system. Many so-called consultants specialize only in "white-collar" crimes and have never been to a real BOP facility, providing misleading and potentially harmful advice.
In conclusion, my mission is to ensure that those facing federal incarceration are as prepared and informed as possible. I aim to equip them with the knowledge and resilience needed to overcome the challenges ahead. Through my work, I hope to foster a community of support, advocacy, and education that can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system.
XI. Advice for Others Facing Federal Time
Navigating the federal prison system is a daunting challenge, and it's crucial to be as prepared as possible. Based on my experiences, here are some key pieces of advice for those facing federal incarceration:
1. Understand the Importance of Family Support:
Family support can make a significant difference in how one copes with incarceration. During my time in prison, my wife, Katelyn, was my rock. Her unwavering support and frequent visits kept my spirits high and helped me stay focused on my goals. If you have family or loved ones, encourage them to stay involved and offer their support. Regular communication and visits can provide emotional stability and a sense of connection to the outside world.
2. Educate Yourself About BOP Policies:
Understanding the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policies is essential. The BOP's rules and regulations can be complex and often inconsistently applied. I spent countless hours studying BOP program statements and policies, which helped me navigate the system more effectively and advocate for myself and others. Knowledge of these policies can help you understand your rights and the resources available to you.
3. Prepare Mentally and Physically:
Federal prison is a physically and mentally challenging environment. It's essential to prepare yourself for the reality of incarceration. Develop a routine that includes physical exercise, mental stimulation, and productive activities. Staying physically fit and mentally sharp can help you cope with the stress and monotony of prison life.
4. Choose Your Legal and Prison Consultants Wisely:
Be cautious when selecting legal advisors or prison consultants. Many so-called experts specialize only in "white-collar" crimes and have limited experience with the broader prison population. Ensure that any consultant you hire has firsthand experience with the BOP and a comprehensive understanding of the federal prison system. Misinformation or bad advice can lead to severe consequences.
5. Leverage Legal Opportunities:
Take advantage of any legal opportunities to reduce your sentence or improve your conditions. During my time in prison, I filed numerous motions and studied legal precedents to fight for my rights. Programs like Compassionate Release, the First Step Act, and others can provide pathways to early release or sentence reduction. Stay informed about your legal options and pursue them diligently.
6. Build a Support Network:
Connecting with other inmates who share similar goals and values can provide mutual support and encouragement. During my time at Devens, I worked with disbarred lawyers and other inmates to study law and help each other with legal cases. Building a support network can provide valuable resources and camaraderie.
7. Stay Productive and Positive:
Maintaining a positive outlook and staying productive is crucial. Engage in educational programs, vocational training, or other productive activities. I enrolled in a correspondence paralegal course and helped other inmates with their legal cases. Staying busy and focused on your goals can help you make the most of your time in prison.
XII. Conclusion
My journey through the criminal justice system, from being a fugitive to a darknet vendor, and ultimately to a federal inmate, has been filled with challenges and hard-earned lessons. Today, I am dedicated to using my experiences to help others navigate similar paths.
I aim to provide practical advice, support, and advocacy for those facing federal incarceration. My goal is to ensure that individuals are well-prepared and informed, reducing the uncertainties and hardships of prison life. Through education, self-discipline, and the support of loved ones, it is possible to emerge from the federal prison system stronger and more resilient.
My wife, Katelyn, and I continue to work together to support families of the incarcerated, advocate for humane treatment within the prison system, and provide resources for those preparing for federal time. Our mission is to foster a community of support and empowerment, helping others to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.
If you or a loved one are facing federal incarceration, remember that preparation, education, and support are your most valuable tools. Stay informed, stay connected, and never stop fighting for your rights and your future. Through perseverance and resilience, you can overcome the challenges ahead and build a better life beyond the prison walls.